Moving from principles to action for energy supply that mitigates
against climate change requires a long-term perspective. Energy
infrastructure takes time to build up; new energy technologies take
time to develop. Policy shifts often also need many years to take
effect. In most world regions the transformation from fossil to
renewable energies will require additional investment and higher
supply costs over about twenty years

press releases

USA - Climate Assessment Calls for Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution

In early May 2014 the Obama administration released the National Climate Assessment report. As the report shows, climate impacts are happening now – whether it's constant extreme weather alerts, droughts and wildfires in the West, or hurricane superstorms, or the melting Arctic leading to an extremely snowy winter in the South. But climate denialism continues to grip leaders in the Congress, some of whom do everything in their power to defend climate polluters and fend off the transition away from fossil fuels.

Poland - Energy Revolution will be beneficial for the Polish economy

Warszawa/Hamburg 25th October 2013: By 2030 Poland can halve its coal demand, quadruple its renewable energy use and create 100,000 new jobs in the energy sector, equalling employment in the country’s coal industry. These are the key findings of a new report “Energy [R]evolution for Poland” which proves that the Polish economy can cut its reliance on coal and abandon costly plans for new lignite opencast mines.

The Polish government’s policy Energy Policy of Poland until 2030 assumes that the energy sector will largely continue to rely on burning fossil fuels, especially coal. But experts argue that instead an ‘energy revolution’ is possible by changing the structure of the energy market and shifting production towards renewable sources.

Bali, Indonesia, 24th of September 2013 – Greenpeace Southeast Asia today launched a comprehensive report that illustrates how renewable energy could benefit the economies and save the climate environments of the 10-member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Presented during the 31st ASEAN Ministers of Energy meeting, the Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable ASEAN Energy Outlook highlights the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy and proposes the pathway to ensure ASEAN’s energy security and economic stability in the long run.

Brazil - Clean energy to revolutionize the future

In its third edition, Energy [R]evolution report by Greenpeace Brazil proposes a sustainable scenario for the Brazilian energy matrix by 2050

São Paulo, 27th of August 2013 – Within four decades, Brazil will have 66.5% of its energy matrix from renewable sources feeding electrical, industrial and transportation sectors. This is the possible – and necessary – scenario drawn by the Energy [R]evolution report published today by Greenpeace Brazil. Compared to the baseline scenario from the government, which forecasts extensive use of fossil fuels, the share of renewable in the array will be 50% lower.

In its third edition in Brazil, the Energy [R]evolution proposes a clean and sustainable energy matrix for the country by 2050 based on the natural resources available and current technologies of renewable energies. This scenario meets the future needs of energy for the country, reconciling economic growth with environmental and climate challenges.

New Zealand Energy Sector Could Power Multi-Billion Dollar Economic Boost and Create Tens of Thousands of New Jobs

February 2013 - New Zealand’s energy sector could give the economy a multi-billion dollar boost and create tens of thousands of new jobs, according to a report released today. Almost 30,000 jobs could be created in areas such as the geothermal and bioenergy industries says the report, which is based on scientific modelling carried out by experts in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The analysis shows that the geothermal industry alone could be worth over NZ$4billion to the economy every year. And a growing bioenergy sector will see New Zealand becoming increasingly less reliant on foreign oil imports, saving the country over NZ$7billion each year by 2035. The number of people employed directly by the renewable electricity and heating industries will soar, says the report, from under 5,000 in 2010 to over 10,000 in 2030. And, as these are only the people directly employed, the actual overall employment boost to the country’s economy will be far higher, as suppliers and associated sectors also get a lift. For example, using New Zealand’s forest crops to create a bioenergy sector would not only save billions of dollars in oil imports, but could also generate 27,000 jobs.

Greenpeace launches the new version of Energy [R]evolution for India

16th November 2012, New Delhi – Greenpeace today launched the second version of the Indian Energy [R]evolution1 - a roadmap to secure India’s growing energy needs without having to depend on the depleting and polluting fossil fuels. The roadmap comes at a critical time when the country is facing massive power shortage due to the inability of fossil fuels to meet its economic aspirations. Future of India’s growth lies with massive expansion and deployment of renewable energy technologies through key policy reforms and significant investments, without putting any negative impact on its pristine forest and dependent marginalised communities. The India Energy [R]evolution report jointly drafted by Greenpeace, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) focuses on the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy and proposes the pathway to ensure India’s energy security in the long run. Earlier this year, the three organisations released the Global Energy [R]evolution (2) which highlighted the severe energy constraint the world is facing due to its over-dependence on fossil fuel.

2030 renewables target key to unlocking European Energy [R]evolution

24 October 2012, Brussels – Europe could enjoy the broad benefits of an energy system powered from renewable sources by 2050, but must set a firm 2030 renewable energy target to steer the transition, according to a new report published today. The 2012 EU Energy [R]evolution report, carried out for Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) by the German National Centre for Aerospace, Energy and Transport Research (DLR), demonstrates how Europe would gain nearly half a million extra energy sector jobs by 2020 if it prioritises a system largely made up of renewables and energy efficiency over nuclear power and fossil fuels. Other benefits include long-term savings for consumers and improved climate stability.

The EU is already considering the post-2020 climate and energy policy landscape.

Berlin, June 5, 2012 - A major expansion of renewable energy and more energy efficient vehicles can end the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and save the fragile Arctic from the destruction of oil exploration, according to a new comprehensive energy roadmap launched today by Greenpeace, the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

The report, “Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook”, includes a detailed, practical roadmap for reducing oil demand by around 80%, especially for the transportation sector. The Energy [R]evolution demonstrates there would be no need to exploit the Arctic and other marginal sources of oil, such as the tar sands in Canada, and offshore oil in Brazil, if more renewable energy powered our vehicles and if much stronger efficiency standards for cars were adopted in Europe and elsewhere.

Greenpeace report gives choice to Korea: choose renewables - or get left behind

Seoul- 19 April 2012 South Korea’s energy supply could switch to nearly 60% renewable by 2050, phasing out nuclear power by 2030, creating jobs, reducing the cost of energy and generating massive savings in electricity supply, according to a new study done by Greenpeace International .

Greenpeace today launched The Energy[R]evolution scenario for Korea, an in-depth study and model of an energy future for South Korea, carried out by Institute of Technical Thermodynamics at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), with Greenpeace International and the European Renewable Energy Council. The local Korean partners were Energy Alternative Forum (EAF) and Korea Federation for Environment Movement (KFEM).

Energy [R]evolution in Hungary - Greenpeace study on renewable energy

Budapest, 16th November 2011 – Greenpeace, specialists of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) developed a blueprint how Hungary could phase-out nuclear power and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports while decreasing CO2 emissions and creating more green jobs. The Progressive Energy [Revolution] scenario [1], published today, provides a practical pathway towards a fully sustainable energy system until 2050.

Permanent nuclear shutdown in Japan possible by 2012

Tokyo, 12 September, 2011 – Japan can switch off all nuclear plants permanently by 2012 and still achieve both economic recovery and its CO2 reduction goals, according to a new Greenpeace report. Released today, the Advanced Energy [R]evolution report for Japan (1), shows how energy efficiency and rapid deployment of renewable technology can provide all the power Japan needs.

Greenpeace energy blueprint gives South-Africa hope

Johannesburg, 25 May 2011 - South Africa can create about 150 000 new direct jobs in the energy sector in less than 20 years, and at the same time save the environment from irredeemable harm. These are just some of the findings of one of the most comprehensive plans ever to resolve the country’s need for energy security and a sustainable energy future, launched today by Greenpeace Africa.

Abu Dhabi - 9th May 2011 - Canadians could save billions of dollars while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating thousands of jobs if the country plots a new energy strategy that turns away from the oilsands industry, says a new report to be released on Thursday.

OTTAWA September 8 - Canadians could save billions of dollars while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating thousands of jobs if the country plots a new energy strategy that turns away from the oilsands industry, says a new report to be released on Thursday.

Greenpeace energy blueprint shows governments how investing in green energy jobs can save the climate and end fossil fuel addiction

Berlin, 7 June 2010 – The renewable power industry could support 8.5 million jobs by 2030 (1), if governments seize the opportunity to invest in a greener future, according to one of the most comprehensive plans for future sustainable energy provision launched today by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

South Africa could save billions and climate by switching to renewables

Johannesburg, 12 October 2009 – Aggressive investment in renewable power generation and energy efficiency could provide three quarters of South Africa’s electricity by 2050, slashing over 200 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent of 10 coal-fired power stations, and protecting the climate. According to a new study launched by Greenpeace in Johannesburg today, such a move could also lower the country’s electricity bill by US$ 46 billion.

Greenpeace and Renewable Energy Industry Call for Energy Revolution

11 May 2009 (Ottawa) – Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) released a new report today detailing a revolutionary green energy scenario for Canada that could cut this country’s greenhouse gas emissions dramatically by 2020.

The report, entitled Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable Canada Energy Outlook, concludes that available green energy technology, if implemented immediately, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Canadian energy sector 45 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 82 per cent by 2050.

India can vote for an energy [r]evolution

Delhi, March 24th 2009 - As the country goes into elections, the issue of "bijli", continues to be a high priority for the aam admi. Greenpeace releases the second version of the 'Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable India Energy Outlook" and calls for political will to back solutions for India's energy that is secure, technically feasible and sustainable in a climate challenged world.

Greenpeace & Senator Sanders: How to Solve Global Warming for Half the Cost and Twice the Jobs as Dirty Energy

March 11, 2009 WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Greenpeace, the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), and Dr. Joseph Romm of the Center for American Progress today released a report commissioned from the German Aerospace Center (the German equivalent of NASA) that shows how the United States can meet the energy needs of a growing economy and achieve science-based cuts in global warming pollution – without nuclear power or coal. The report, entitled “Energy [R]evolution,” is co-authored by Greenpeace and EREC and includes a foreword by Dr. R.K. Pachauri, chairman of the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Brussels, 2 December 2008 - A Greenpeace-commissioned report presented today demonstrates how Europe can significantly reduce its emissions while strengthening its economy, if EU leaders boost the ambition of the climate and energy legislative package which they are due to finalise over the coming days.

Berlin, 27 October 2008 – Aggressive investment in renewable power generation and energy efficiency could create an annual USD 360 billion industry, providing half of the world’s electricity, slashing over USD 18 trillion in future fuel costs while protecting the climate, according to one of the most comprehensive plans for future sustainable energy provision launched today.

Australia - Secure energy future revealed

Canberra, Monday June 16, 2008 - Greenpeace today called on the Federal Government to commit Australia to produce 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The call comes following the release of a groundbreaking report, Energy [R]evolution Scenario: Australia, which shows that Australia’s energy sector can be transformed to achieve massive cuts in CO2 emissions. The Energy [R]evolution Scenario: Australia uses modeling by Greenpeace and Dr Hugh Saddler from Canberra-based company Energy Strategies.

It shows that by 2030 Australia can be powered by renewable energy sources with solar, wind, geothermal and ocean power supplying more than half of Australia’s electricity needs. This, combined with using some gas as a transitional fuel, means that coal – the dirtiest fossil fuel – can be entirely phased out by 2030.

Greenpeace rejects the IEA’s reliance on nuclear and carbon capture technologies: Greenpeace shows how Japan can generate 60% of energy from renewables by 2050

Aomori / Tokyo 7 June 2008 – Today’s publication of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest energy forecast, timed to coincide with the start of the G8 Energy Ministers meeting, should be welcomed for its recognition that half the world’s energy could be supplied by renewable sources by 2050 said Greenpeace. However, the IEA’s vision of increasing nuclear power by a factor of four and relying on carbon capture and storage to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets should be rejected as an expensive and dangerous distraction.

Cheap, low-carbon electricity for all Indonesians

Jakarta, 27 November 2007 - Indonesia can produce more than 60 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 making the country less dependent on imported fossil fuels and allowing for cheaper electricity, according to a new report authored by Greenpeace, the Engineering Center University of Indonesia and European Renewable Energy Council. It also calls on the Indonesian government to embrace a low-carbon alternative for the development of its energy sector ahead of the United Nations Climate change conference in Bali.

Launch of the world’s first comprehensive global energy strategy for tackling climate change

Brussels, 25th January 2007: Renewable energy, combined with efficiencies from the ‘smart use’ of energy, can deliver half of the world’s energy needs by 2050, according to one of the most comprehensive plans for future sustainable energy provision, launched today. The report: ‘Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable World Energy Outlook’, produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International, provides a practical blueprint for how to cut global CO2 emissions by almost 50% within the next 43 years, whilst providing a secure and affordable energy supply and, critically, maintaining steady worldwide economic development. Notably, the plan takes into account rapid economic growth areas such as China, India and Africa, and highlights the economic advantages of the energy revolution scenario. It concludes that renewable energies will represent the backbone of the world’s economy – not only in OECD countries, but also in developing countries such as China, India and Brazil. "Renewable Energy will deliver nearly 70% of global electricity supply and 65% of global heat supply by 2050."